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these soldiers were really Americans. Perhaps it was a plan by the ejected peasants to annoy us, for why should American soldiers be rude to Americans?

September 10th.  We decided to go down to Florence by the Ponte Trinita as Ponte Vecchio is closed to traffic. The newly constructed passage over the bridge proved less congested than we expected and we walked along the central part instead of along the narrow wooden footpath showing between the boards the river below. The road had its danger caused by many overloaded hand-carts drawn by men often unequal to the task and so leaving the cart to its own impetus. We were nearly run down by one of these. An enormous English policeman with a cheery smile came to the rescue. I have never seen such a big fellow. Hestopped the two-wheeler piled up with furniture and its forepart lifted high in the air along with the little man trying to draw it. On being brought down again the stupefaction and gratitude shown on this Italian's face left no doubt as to his opinion about John Bull's supremacy.
      
We called on the Swiss Consul who was feeling sore because Swiss bicycles were being confiscated, and he told us that the food situation would become worse because the Armies marching through had destroyed acres and acres of tilled land.  
      
The streets are filled with soldiers of many nationalities, the Indians seeming the most serious and detached. It is hard to believe they all carry curved knives to be